March Creative Living (KY)

CreativeLiving Features 13 14

Helping your child choose a summer camp Summer camp can have a great impact on a child’s life. Here’s some tips on how to choose a good camp.

Gardening is making a popular comeback From beautiful flowers to delicious vegetables, gardening is making a comeback in America.

Editor’s note Ah, can you feel it? Spring is in the air! You know what that means … time to get outdoors.

Roll up your sleeves, get down on your knees and plant until you can’t plant no more!

Gardening is making a popular comeback, according to one of this month’s feature. Read about other current trends and incorporate them in your own back yard!

Also, this month we have our annual Summer Camps topic. Read about some wonderful local opportunities, as well as ways to help your child choose the perfect summer camp that will have a positive lasting impact on their lives.

Specialty Publications Editor

Contact Creative Living is a monthly advertising-sponsored magazine published by the Specialty Publications Department of The Community Press/The Community Recorder.

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Questions and comments can be sent to Editor Melissa Hayden c/o The Community Press/394 Wards Corner/Loveland, OH 45140 or e-mail mhayden@communitypress.com.

Topics Apnea 3 Snoring/Sleep Resting well

Home 9 At Decor • Repairs

4 Dental Care

12 Local Business

5 Health & Fitness

Camps 12 Summer Education • Fun

Gums • Teeth

Mind • Body • Spirit

Goods • Services

For advertising call 578-5501.

S N O R I N G / S L E E P

A P N E A

Snore? Can't tolerate CPAP? Dr. Kitzmiller has a solution Do you snore or know someone who Dr. Kitzmiller and his wife Lori know does? Do you have obstructive sleep firsthand the disruptions that untreated apnea but just can’t tolerate your CPAP sleep apnea can cause. machine?

“We used to think that snoring was You’re not alone! An estimated 40 normal, but when Tim would stop million Americans snore and nearly 20 breathing for up to 20 seconds at a time million have sleep and then wake with a apnea, a condition gasp, I got scared. After where the airway being diagnosed with collapses during sleep apnea he tried to sleep, causing the use CPAP but his sleepNot sure if you have sleep person to stop ing habits made it too apnea? Take a quick quiz at breathing and difficult to use. He’s www.cincisleep.com to see if awaken multiple been using and treating you are at risk. times every hour patients with oral appliwith a gasp. ance therapy now for Sleep apnea is a life threatening sleep years… and now we’re both getting a disorder that left undiagnosed and restful night’s sleep!” Lori explained. untreated can shorten your lifespan up Want to see what a difference oral to 18 years! While CPAP is the gold stan- appliance therapy can be to treat your dard of sleep apnea treatment, many snoring or sleep apnea? people can’t tolerate the masks and presGive Dr. Kitzmiller a call at 513-248sure.

8848 to schedule your complimentary An oral appliance is an FDA consultation. Dr. Kitzmiller and his team approved CPAP alternative that fits over can coordinate your entire care process, your teeth and holds the lower jaw forincluding scheduling your diagnostic ward, keeping your airway from colsleep study, treatment visits, insurance lapsing. A sleep apnea sufferer himself, and follow up.

Quick quiz

Dr. Kitzmiller and his wife Lori.

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Gentle Dental Care changes people’s lives with a smile Can a life be changed simply by a smile?

The Gentle Dental Care team and their patients say yes. One case in particular comes to mind for Kim Fisk, new patient coordinator and dental assistant.

“The case was recommended to us by an organization,” she explains. “We donated the time, materials and service.”

The gentleman who needed the work had missing and decayed teeth.

“He was very self-conscious about his appearance and it was effecting his entire life,” Kim says.

His teeth were pulled and a “beautiful” denture was put in the same day.

“He was very emotional,” Kim says. “He was so grateful that he could finally smile. He really looked amazing!”

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Not too long after, the Gentle Dental Care team received a card from the man thanking them again for their service. He wrote how it had completely turned his life around. He told them how he was able to get a job and an apartment. They were all in tears.

“This is why we do what we do – to change lives,” says Dr. Tara Dallmann.

Gentle Dental Care is a patient-focused general dentistry practice located in Independence. The team is committed to providing every person who comes to their office with the most up-to-date dental services and treatments in a comfortable, relaxing setting. They treat their patients like family.

Dr. Dallmann and her team provide a full range of services, from preventive care such as cleaning

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and oral examinations to restorative measures such as fillings and crowns. For people who want to improve the look of their teeth, they offer cosmetic treatments such as bonding, veneers and recontouring.

The Gentle Dental Care team.

They treat each patient Are you in desperate with warmth and respect, need of dental care, but and make sure that every too afraid to go to the person understands any dentist? Are you facing proposed treatments. extensive treatment which They work with you to you cannot fathom withdevelop an overall dental out being “out”? You are plan that suits your needs, not alone. For patients one that is affordable and who need that extra help timely. to relax, Gentle Dental

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Care offers both IV and oral conscious sedation.

“For some people it takes a lot of courage just to pick up the phone and make an appointment,” explains Fisk. “We understand this and do all that we can to make your visit comfortable for you.”

Sedation is a way for people that would not normally go to the dentist to get the treatment and attention they so desperately need.

However, what really sets Gentle Dental Care apart from all other practices is the caring staff.

“We encourage our patients, as well as comfort,” Fisk says. “For those who are fearful we let them know that we are genuinely proud of them for coming in. This care, is what makes us different, it’s the reason why we have patients drive all the way from West Chester to see us for treatment.”

Call Gentle Dental Care today at 859-363-1616 to “Experience the Difference.”

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You can benefit from laser therapy treatment Do you suffer continually from low back pain, sciatica or tendentious?

How about fibromyalgia, knee pain or carpal tunnel?

If you experience pain from soft tissue injuries in the back and neck, degenerative joint conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteroarthritis, you might consider laser therapy.

The beneficial effects of laser therapy have been known since 1880. But its clinical benefits in treating pain have been available commercially only since the late 1970s.

Laser therapy uses near-infrared light over muscle or tissue injuries to stimulate healing and offer pain relief.

It is a noninvasive, drug-free approach that can help strengthen damaged tissues (from sprains or injuries), eliminate excess fluids and toxins from tissues, increase your circulation by creating capillary production, increase joint mobility and help to improve your range of motion.

Better Health Chiropractic now offers laser therapy to help ease your pain and increase your energy level. Dr. Nanci Allen, D.C., can help you decide if laser therapy is right for you.

MOTHER’S DAY CONTEST ANNOUNCEMENT!

therapy?

A: It does not require drugs or surgery, it has fewer side effects or risks and it is quick and convenient. Studies have shown that laser therapy is equal to or more effective than other forms of physical therapy.

Q: Does it have any s i d e e ffects or associated risks?

A: After more than 20 years of use by health care providers all over the Laser therapy can help patients enjoy more freedom in movement. world, very few side it improves blood flow Here are some freeffects have ever been and lymphatic drainage as quently asked questions reported. A patient who is well as immune response. about laser therapy: allergic to light may get a rash or blister for a few Q: What advantage Q: Has its eff e c t i v e days. Occasionally some does laser therapy have ness been demonstrated old injuries or pain synover other forms of scientifically?

A: Yes. Thousands of studies have been published that demonstrate the clinical effectiveness of laser therapy.

Among these, more than 100 vigorously controlled, scientific students have documented its effectiveness. And, after FDA approval in 2001, laster therapy is quickly gaining popularity.

dromes may feel aggravated for a few days, since the healing response is more active after treatment.

Q: Can it be used along with other forms of treatment?

A: Yes. Laser therapy is often used in conjunction with other kinds of therapy – including physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments and massage.

For more information on laser therapy and its healing effects or for an appointment, call Better Health Chiropractic at 578-0550 in Crescent Springs.

Q: What does the research demonstrate?

A: For one thing, injuries treated with laser therapy heal faster. For another, laser therapy has strengthening effect on tissue repair. In addition,

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February 2008 • Kentucky

Get the

FASHION 411

TRAVELING TRAVELING IN IN COMFORT COMFORT

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HEALTH HEALTH & & FITNESS FITNESS

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SENIOR SENIOR LIVING LIVING

Call 578-5501 to advertise

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An advertising-sponsored magazine from The Community Press

Kentucky

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Wig, scarf fitting specialists at Burlington Pharmacy Health Care offer women outstanding service There are some decisions in life that we never expect to make.

When we go through difficult experiences that require us to make adjustments along the way, the people we surround ourselves with can make such a difference in our attitude and determination.

Many women needing wigs and scarves as a result of receiving chemotherapy or for other medical reasons have come to Burlington Pharmacy Health Care because of the outstanding support and care of the professional fitting

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specialists there.

Karen Sue Murphy has been a certified fitting specialist for many years and is honored to support, encourage, and advise women who are looking for head coverings at Burlington Pharmacy Health Care.

“It is an emotional time and it is important for them to have a support team that cares. Our personal care and quality customer service set us apart,” said Murphy.

“At the end of the day, we are making a difference in a life,” added Mellissaa Morris, another

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certified fitting specialist at Burlington Pharmacy Health Care.

“We want to help our customers feel comfortable and meet all of their needs,” she said.

Burlington Pharmacy Health Care carries a wide assortment of quality wigs, scarves, sleep caps and other headpieces.

“We have a great selection of products and

“It is very important to us that it be a pleasant and comfortable experience for our customer …”

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many color swatches,” said Morris.

The company offers personalized and private fitting appointments with their professional fitting

specialists.

“It is a very private atmosphere and we like taking time with each customer to get to know them as a person before we begin the fitting,” said Morris.

“It is very important to us that it be a pleasant and comfortable experience for our customer,” she said.

Burlington Pharmacy Health Care also encourages their customer’s friends and family to come and support women as they choose wigs, scarves, and other headpieces while they receive treatment.

“We invite them to come with our customers,” said Murphy.

“Getting opinions from friends and family that they know and love is very reassuring and helpful,” she said.

For more information on Burlington Pharmacy Health Care and the products they carry, please call 859-586-6700 and one of their professional fitting specialist would be happy to answer your questions.

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The Scuba Shack is offering a free “Try SCUBA Experience.”

Scuba diving is a lifestyle Jim Barrie wants to share his love for scuba diving, so he’s letting everyone try it for free.

His dive shop, The Scuba Shack, (www.TheScubaPlace.com) located in Florence, is offering a free “Try SCUBA Experience” to anyone interested in diving.

“Scuba diving is not a sport. It’s not a hobby. It’s a lifestyle! We want to expose as many people as we can to this exciting way of life.” Barrie said.

The Scuba Shack conducts free onehour dives every Saturday.

Barrie has owned The Scuba Shack for 11 years, and in that time has been told by countless people that they would love to try diving. He knows that if they do, they’ll love it! So he wants to give them the opportunity.

All those who would like to try scuba diving will be geared-up and go for a dip in The Scuba Shack’s indoor, heated, 10 foot-deep, diver training pool.

The dives are led by The Shack’s certified instructors.

Reservations are required, and can be made by calling 859-283-1550. The Scuba Shack also offers scuba certification

Kentucky

training. Through comprehensive classroom and pool training, divers learn proper technique, safety measures, and how to use the equipment.

Divers certified at The Scuba Shack are given unlimited training classes at no extra charge.

The Shack also provides unlimited access to their pool and use of scuba equipment for certification students.

Once certified, a diver is ready to go on one of the shop’s many trips to dive locations in the United States and abroad.

In the next 14 months, The Shack will lead trips to locations such as: St. Lucia, Hawaii, Bonaire, Cozumel, Florida, Fiji, and the Bahamas. Pricing varies by destination.

Many trips are enjoyable for both divers and non-divers, so the diver can easily bring a spouse or friend.

However, trips specifically for divers are noted.

“There’s nothing quite like a group trip” said Barrie. “Both divers and nondivers come back with a group of new friends, having seen some of the world’s most beautiful locations” he said.

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CreativeLiving Call 578-5501 C R E A T I V E

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The Mortenson Family Dental team.

What’s new at Mortenson Family Dental?

For those of you reading this article who are not patients at the Mortenson Family Dental, they would like to invite you to get to know their dental team.

The dentist, Dr. Zimmerman, is a great person! He truly cares for his patients and employees, always doing more than expected to make everyone feel comfortable.

Shauna is the team leader and handles issues from scheduling to insurance and everything in between making sure the office runs seamlessly.

Cassandra and Niki are Dr. Zimmerman’s dental assistants and work in conjunction with him to discuss each and every patient’s individual needs and make sure they feel at ease.

Jodie and Sandra are the dental hygienists who monitor patients’ home care, overall oral health and periodontal conditions as needed. Each patient’s needs are so different that it keeps them all on their toes!

The team’s goal as an office is to make each and every patient comfortable. They have regular discussions on how they can improve both individually and as a team to become better at what some say we are already great at! They offer snacks, blankets and headphones for additional comfort, and arrangements can be made to have your dentistry done under conscious sedation when a blankie just won’t cut it!

At Mortenson Family Dental, they are also committed to safely offering patients the latest proven technologies in

Call 578-5501 to advertise in CreativeLiving

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dentistry. To ensure that you receive the best, we work hard to apply the latest technologies in our services we offer.

They use the technology of fluorescence to find decay in its very beginning stages which can often be fixed without the use of anesthetic. Another example is the use of the Velscope, a light wand that can detect oral lesions in the mouth that are not visible to the naked eye.

They are also proud to be a member of the Crown Council, an organization of leading-edge dentists here in the United States. Through this organization they participate with the children’s charity organization Smiles for Life. How does this benefit you as a patient you ask? From March through June they offer their professional tooth whitening at a considerably reduced price and 100 percent of the proceeds are donated to charity. Half of the proceeds collected stay right here in Kentucky and are donated to Kosair Children’s Hospital while the other half will be distributed to worthy and approved children’s charities across the United States! You as a patient get a bright, beautiful smile and your donation brings smiles to the faces of hundreds of needy children.

Everybody wins!

Whether you’re in need of a cleaning or require more extensive dental treatment Mortenson Family Dental is here to meet you and your family’s dental needs big or small. Call 525-7586 to schedule an appointment and become a part of the family!

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New year, new look with Fort Mitchell Interiors For many homeowners, the beginning of a new decade is bringing fresh ideas and desires for a new look in their homes and they are turning to Fort Mitchell Interiors to help them bring about an exciting change.

A full service interior design store, Fort Mitchell Interiors offers anything and everything you need for your designing project.

Kitchen cabinets, appliances, flooring, hardware, paint, wallpaper, upholstery – you name it and this first-class design company will have your bases

covered from the beginning of the design project through its completion.

Mary PenningtonWolfe is the owner and head designer of Fort Mitchell Interiors and has been providing excellent interior design service to her customers for 31 years.

“We are like a pyramid – we can do everything under one roof; a one stop shop,” said Wolfe.

Fort Mitchell Interior is known for its excellent client care and design, giving their clients exactly what they want and matching their taste of

design.

“The client’s opinion counts and is important. I allow people to keep the things they currently own and we work with what they have and add to it,” said Wolfe.

In today’s competitive housing market, it’s a good idea to keep your house fresh and up to date.

If you are considering updating a kitchen or bath in your home, Fort Mitchell Interiors carries cabinets, flooring, and appliances and has a team of professional installers

to get the job done and keep your home looking its best.

“I think it’s a good idea to pick a room every year and give it a new look,” said Wolfe.

If you know you are ready for a fresh change in your home but just not sure where to begin, call Fort Mitchell Interiors and a designer can come to your home for a design consultation.

Whether your change is as small as bursts of new color on the walls or as large as a whole house re-design, Fort Mitchell

Interiors will complete your look from start to finish.

You deserve a new look and should enjoy living in your home.

With Fort Mitchell Interiors as your designer you only have to go one place to have all of your design needs met.

Visit Fort Mitchell Interiors today at 2514 Hazelwood Drive (across from McDonald’s) or call 331-5327 and take advantage of their New Year, New Look sale to jumpstart your interior design project.

Concrete lifting: Attractive alternative to replacement Matracia Contracting Inc. would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to the concrete lifting process.

Concrete lifting is a process in which a concrete slab is raised back to its original position. It is the economical alternative to tearing out and replacing concrete.

Your concrete is lifted by drilling one or more holes into the surface of the concrete slab, and pumping a cementbased material through the holes. This fills any voids and displaces any standing water under the slab which may have occurred by settling or rodents burrowing under it. We continue pumping until enough material is pumped under the slab to raise it back to its original position.

The cement-based material is a sandy loam containing lime and cement. It is non-toxic and environmentally safe.

This process works on any concrete slab, sidewalks, porches, garage floors, driveways, house floors, steps, pool decks and more.

Their portable pump allows us to go anywhere on your property without damage to your lawn or landscaping.

Their trucks stay on the street. There is no mess and no heavy equipment.

And most jobs are completed within one day – or less.

Give them a call. Their estimator will call you back within 24 hours and set up a time to receive a free estimate. To reach the professionals of Matracia Contracting, call 371-1398.

Read about great gifts for mom in the next issue.

Kentucky

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Have confidence in the roof over your head Rick Beckett of West Chester rests better at night because he has complete confidence in the roof over his head.

“Wow, my roof was old and every time I went outside, I’d find broken shingles in my yard,” he said.

His peace of mind today is due to hiring Roof Time.

“I knew nothing about roofs,” the homeowner admits. “But Roof Time spent time with me and helped me understand.

They showed what was needed, what they would do, and then they did it.

The experience was fantastic.”

Beckett recommends Roof Time, because he was satisfied, not only with their expertise, but their impeccable commitment to his satisfaction.

Cincinnati Bell’s Web site has listings for 650 roofers!

“Every local roofer has to ask why their business exists,” explains Project Manager Justin

Shoemaker.

“On the low end, there are guys working without insurance and using the cheapest labor they can get to offer a super cheap quote. On the high end, you have bigger outfits that spend a fortune on TV ads and have bloated overhead that a customer has to pay for, if they hire them,” he said.

“Roof Time exists to install a top quality roof system that will add value and protection for our homeowners,” said Shoemaker.

Roof Time invests in its staff with ongoing training and equipment.

The installers and estimators are certified by Owens Corning and use thermal image cam-

Roof Time has been serving the community with offices in Boone and Clermont counties since 1995 when patriarch and founder Rick Feltner first began the family business.

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Rick Beckett’s West Chester home.

eras, laptops, and digital technology, to accurately determine and quote only what a home needs.

Roof Time has won Angie’s List Super Service Award every year since 1997, and was voted “Favorite Roofer” by The Community Press readers in 2009.

Estimators arrive on time and prepared, in neatly lettered vehicles and uniforms; inspect the

roof from underneath, then inspect and measure from the roof top.

An estimate can be prepared right from their vehicles or e-mailed back the same day! Estimators are non-commissioned, and only bid work that needs to be completed.

Written estimates are free, and feature digital roof top photos.

Roof Time is an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor and has the added distinction of being one of only three local roofers to be qualified as Top of the House certified

by Owens Corning.

Roof Time has been serving the community with offices in Boone and Clermont counties since 1995 when patriarch and founder Rick Feltner first began the family business.

Grandson Justin Shoemaker represents the third generation of this top quality business.

For more information on Roof Time or to schedule a free roof inspection, call Sandy the office manager at 859-341-TIME or 513-528-TIME. Visit www.time2roof.com for a valuable Internet only offer.

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Lasting Impressions …

Spring is almost here and Lasting Impressions is the perfect place to find unique home accessories and new spring merchandise to bring your home back to life after the long, cold winter.

Kentucky. If you are looking for a mantle display . . . something beautiful for the top of your cabinets . . . a breathtaking custom floral … this is the place to find it!

Are you ready to begin

“When you care enough to make your home a warm, welcoming place for family and friends … you need to visit us.”

Excellent customer service is the norm at this beautifully decorated store which is such a treat, located in the warehouse building at 241 Grandview in Bellevue,

Kentucky

thinking about doing some redecorating around your home? An In-Home Consultation ($90) with Linda Barbian is just what you need to develop your plan to revitalize a room

Directions

that needs a lift. Linda will be glad to assist you with color selection, room arrangement, accessories, window treatments, area rugs, or whatever you need to complete your space.

New spring merchandise has arrived and more is on the way! You will want to see the gorgeous spring displays featuring new items from the January trip to market.

New artwork from Ashton and Picture Galleries is on display as well as the Ashton custom mirror line which gives you the flexibility to add just the right framed mirror to a special space. You will be able to choose from many styles

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of frames to make your beveled mirror your own creation at a very reasonable price.

Boxwood topiaries and sprays, excellent quality silk ivies and greens, fern baskets, nests, trunks, and beautiful ivy-trimmed bowls and pitchers are displayed throughout the beautiful showrooms.

Light-hearted rabbits (both brown and white) have taken up residence in the showrooms along with some birds, a couple of deer, and even a bear.

You never know what you will find here, but you know it will always be something interesting which would look great in your home and set it apart

Traveling south or north on I-471: Take Exit 5 (Newport/ Bellevue) Turn right onto Route 8 (Fairfield Avenue) Continue to Taylor Avenue and turn right. Travel 6 blocks to Grandview Avenue.

Turn right on Grandview Enter the warehouse through the Lasting Impressions door on the right Prepare to be amazed …

from the ordinary.

Linda, Judy, and Nancy are looking forward to seeing you soon at 241 Grandview in Bellevue.

It’s a shopping experience you are going to enjoy!

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B U S I N E S S / S U M M E R

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What’s wrong with public schools?

Are you frustrated with your local school because you know it could serve the students so much better, but you don’t know why the students aren’t learning?

According to most studies, you are in the majority. Is more money the solution? Better parents? Better teachers?

Better administrators?

Better buildings?

Well, we’ve tried almost all of those for 40 years, and our schools continue to deteriorate.

So, what’s wrong with our

schools?

Here’s a hint: it’s not money. Spending on public education has climbed for 40 years, and the results continue to get worse.

Jon Ryker and Jo Rogers both had considerable experience in scientific research before choosing to teach science in a variety of Tristate public education settings.

Along the way, they’ve learned a great deal about why good schools succeed and bad schools fail. They bring a real-world, practi-

cal angle to the debate over public school reform which, quite frankly, has been dominated by emotional grand-standing, brinksmanship over levee votes, and an almost complete lack of mutual understanding among constituent groups.

Why all the conflict, while the students continue to graduate without sufficient knowledge or skills to either go onward for a college degree or move straight into productive roles in the workplace?

The answer is that for 40 years, all the blame for the failures and the responsibility for the solutions to the failures has been placed in the hands of the professional education establishment.

The result has been 40 years of focus on school attendance and graduation percentage, with no focus on or accountability for student learning anywhere in the K-12 system.

It’s time we admit: the professional education establishment is not capable of solving these sys-

temic failures by itself.

It is necessary for taxpayers, parents, students, teachers and administrators to come together and focus on maximizing actual student learning.

To do this, radical changes will need to be made and these groups must take on actual responsibilities to each other. In effective schools, they already do.

For a common starting point, buy this book (featured in the ad). Get involved. Your school needs your help!

Skidaddles offers a summer camp that sizzles Looking for a summer camp designed to make

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kids happy and fit your needs?

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Call Skidaddles, the Drop-in Anytime Kid

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Care Center located at 8660 Bankers Street, at the corner of Houston Road and Highway 18 in Florence.

Skidaddles has the flexibility you need for your busy summer schedule.

The summer camp is

available for ages 4 to 12 with field trips, great activities, and lots of fun planned for all!

You choose the weeks and amount of days that work for you, and

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Skidaddles see page 13

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Helping your child choose a summer camp

By Melissa Hayden • Editor

A summer camp program can have a significant impact on your child’s life. Therefore, it’s important that you assist your child in the process of choosing a program.

After all, choosing a summer camp should be a family decision.

First, determine the sort of experience your child desires. Does he or

she want to develop a new skill or perfect one they’ve already acquired?

Is your child interested in more social activity? Ask your child what he or she wants out of the experience. Find out your child’s needs, interests, goals, and expectations.

Next, start making a list of camps that seem to meet your child’s goals.

Determine your camp

budget.

Consider the location.

Do you want something near or farther away? Ask your child if he or she is ready for a sleep-over camp experience. Select a location that both you and your child are comfortable with.

Look into the staff.

How long have the directors been at the helm and what are their priorities

when selecting staff members. Do they conduct background checks? What is the staff to camper ratio? What is the age and experience of the staff?

Look at the camp’s mission statement and take a look at their Web site, literature or camp video to see how the mission is included into the overall camp experience.

After you’ve narrowed

your list down to a few, review Web sites, brochures and videos with your child. Then choose the camp you both are most interested in and set up an appointment to speak or meet with the camp directors or representatives.

Sources: www.summercamp.org; www.camppage.com

Skidadles from page 12 Skidaddles will provide the fun!

Spaces are limited so register now.

In addition to summer camp, Skidaddles offers Drop-in Anytime Care for ages 12 months to 12 years.

It offers convenient reliable

Kentucky

care that is available without reservation so you can drop-in days, evenings and weekends whenever you need childcare.

Whether you need a few hours, all day or part of the day, they can accommodate all your

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childcare needs.

You’ll feel confident knowing your children are having fun and learning while being cared for by well-qualified staff in a safe, clean, and top quality environment.

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Skidaddles is open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. For details call Skidaddles at 647-7529 or visit www.skidaddles.com.

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Gardening is making a popular comeback

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hange has come to America. The pop culture phrase “show me the money,” boiling throughout business and industry, has cooled down and is forcing people to take a hard look at what is really important in life.

“Just look around you,” says Susan McCoy, trend spotter and outdoor living expert. “Our relationship with money has changed.

Hard work, common sense and a return to small-town values are causing a shift in priorities from boardrooms to backyards.”

According to GMG’s 2010 Garden Trends Report, “The rewards of growing your own – from basil to berries to flowers – are boundless,” says McCoy. Here is a glimpse of what McCoy and her team of trend spotters see for 2010.

• Edible gardens are in. Lawns are out.

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Day camp offers themed activities for summer weeks SummerCare 2010: Adventures in Wonderland offers a summer filled with fun, exciting and educational activities for children ages 511.

Days are filled with age-appropriate activities, visits and field trips that revolve around such weekly themes such as: • Down the Rabbit Hole • A Very Merry Unbirthday • Nonsense & Curiosity • Fractured Fairy Tales & Folklore • Playing by the Rules • Who in the World Am I? • In the Garden • Waking from a Dream In addition to the weekly theme activities, SummerCare will have plenty of special guests and field trips.

Visitors include Mad Science of Cincinnati, the Magician with a Mission, and Out of Control

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Growing your own groceries is hotter than ever and is transforming homes and communities.

Front lawns are being transformed into vegetable and

rain gardens.

Gardeners with limited space are finding ways to have fresh herbs and vegetables in their kitchens.

Innovative plant systems like Fertile Earth’s new Simple Gardens come with soil, seeds and a how-to guide packed in stylish square containers that make it a snap to grow kitchen

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Wildlife!

Field trips include outings for swimming, a picnic in the park, and visits to Coney Island and the Cincinnati Museum Center.

And don’t forget water fun days, cookouts and ice cream days!

SummerCare operates June 7 through July 30, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at two central Northern Kentucky locations: Fort Wright Elementary School, Fort Wright (close to I-75 Kyles Lane Exit) and Ockerman Elementary School, Florence Tuition is $128 per week, or $29 per day.

Tuition assistance is available to families who qualify for free or reduced lunch.

Programs are fully licensed by the State of Kentucky with superior adult to child ratios. Staff have special training in the care of school-age children, as well as CPR and First Aid certifications.

Children, Inc. School Age Services SummerCare is a day camp providing positive social, recreational and educational experiences for elementary children ages 5 through 11.

SummerCare keeps kids’ brains growing with weekly themes that make the fun and learning come alive with zany arts and crafts, science, reading, drama, math, service learning, dance, sports and good old-fashioned summertime adventure.

In addition to SummerCare, School Age Services offers the following programs at elementary schools throughout Northern Kentucky: Before School Care, After School Care, Extended Educational Care (before/after half day preschool and kindergarten) and Breaks, Holiday and Snow Day Care.

For more information about Children, Inc.’s SummerCare or to register, visit www.childreninc.org or call 431-2075.

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YMCA day camp offers an abundance of new experiences, skills, peace of mind for parents For both parents and kids, it's never too early to start thinking about plans for the summer.

Parents want to be sure their children are safe, supervised, and engaged in activities that keep their kids' minds and bodies active after school lets out for the summer. Youngsters look forward to the free time, and simply want to have fun and learn something new. YMCAs have been serving communities for more than 150 years, and YMCA day camp is a perfect option for parents who are looking for a safe and fun place for their kids to build healthy mind, body and spirit this summer.

“Children are our greatest treasures and greatest responsibility,” said David Martorano from the Clippard Family YMCA in Colerain Township. “YMCA day camp helps kids grow positively, meet healthy role models and learn good values-all while having fun. We not only provide memories that last a lifetime, but we also assure parents that their kids are in good hands during the summer.”

Day camp for youth – the most popular program offered by YMCAs-provides youngsters with a unique opportunity to connect with their peers and their community. At the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati day camps, our campers enjoy a broad range

of age-appropriate programs, events and activities In addition to all of the activities offered at YMCA day camp,

stress, build energy and, most of all, learn skills that encourage a lifetime of activity.”

The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati is the largest provider of summer camps for kids ages 3 to 18. More than 10,000 children each year spend their summer with the YMCA through day and overnight camps at more than 16 locations.

Each week area YMCA day camps have a fun and different theme. However daily activities include: swimming, environmental education, arts and crafts, service learning, science, literature, free time and more. YMCA day camps also include: service learning, leadership development, sports, cheerleading, creYMCA day camps provide a wealth of opportunity for kids to get active through play. ative arts, and more. Also, day camps offer pre and post camp parents also have the flexibility of ly over the past 25 years. In fact, options for busy parents. enrolling their youngsters during a 2009 report from the Centers Day campers will be divided sessions that suit their needs. For for Disease Control and into groups with activities and example, if a parent only wants a Prevention recommended that choices appropriate to the age child to participate two weeks school-age children should parinterests and needs of each out of the summer, our day camp ticipate in moderate to vigorous group. Camp ages range from 3-5 can accommodate that schedule. activity for a minimum of 60 years for preschool camp, 6-12 Different levels of supervision are minutes a day. YMCA day camps for day camp and 13-15 for teen also available, depending on the help kids build healthy habits camps. age and interests of the parent while having fun.

For a complete list, the public and child. “YMCA programs are “The need is as strong today is invited to contact their local designed to meet the needs and as ever before,” said Cindy branch or visit www.myy.org for schedules of today's busy famiTomaszewski of the Powel a complete camp and branch listlies,” states Trish Kitchell from Crosley YMCA. Being more ing. How can families learn more the Gamble Nippert YMCA. physically active through play or register for a camp? Visit YMCA day camps provide a helps children better manage www.myy.org or call the YMCA wealth of opportunity for kids to stress, succeed in school, reduce at 362-9622.

Gardening from page 14 gardens in any bright spot. Just add water.

• Slow gardening is in. Instant gratification is out.

With the rising demand for locally grown food, organic and energy-efficient products, people are gardening for the greater good.

According to Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability, (LOHAS) seed sales are up 30 to 50 percent and canning saw a whopping 45 percent increase. Along with vegetables,

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get active through play. This is especially important as rates of overweight and obesity among youth have increased dramatical-

people are planting and picking fruits and berries – especially blueberries and raspberries – for their nutritional value and ornamental good looks.

• Multi-tasking is in. Single-purpose gardening is out.

Roofs are no longer just for parties. Green roofs are springing to life in cities and small towns, transforming barren space into lush gardens that help cool buildings, absorb rainwater, filter air pollutants, and create wildlife habitats.

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• Perennials and shrubs are in. Divas are out.

Sustainable landscapes, water conservation, perennials and small edible shrubs are hot as gardening with natives attracts needed pollinators and birds, critical for the balance of nature. Consumers are looking for plants that are easy care, have great color, and are pest- and drought-resistant, like the new hardy early and repeat blooming daylily – Jersey Earlybird “Cardinal.”

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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